ESPN Todd McShay: Complete 7-rd Mock...'boys picks in blue

Despite growing speculation that Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson has moved to the top of the Raiders' draft board, JaMarcus Russell remains the No. 1 pick on my mock draft. The only change in the first round involves a pair of wide receivers. USC's Dwayne Jarrett falls from No. 23 to No. 30, trading places with Tennessee's Robert Meachem.

Here is my complete seven-round mock draft.

+ -- Underclassman

1. Oakland Raiders (2-14)

Projected pick: +JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU

Needs: QB, DT, OT/G, TE, WR, LB, CB, RB

It seems owner Al Davis' captivation with WR Calvin Johnson grows with each passing day. If the Raiders can talk the Lions into a deal for veteran QB Josh McCown, it will free Davis to pull the trigger on Johnson with the No. 1 overall pick. Until then, Russell makes the most sense for a team loaded with talented wide receivers (Randy Moss, Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry) but nobody to get them the ball.

2. Detroit (3-13)

Projected pick: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson

Needs: QB, ILB, CB, TE, S, WR, C, DT, DE

The Lions hold the keys to the entire top of the draft. The aforementioned McCown trade could throw the entire top of the board into flux. Ironically, such a trade could rob the Lions of their trade value at No. 2. The Buccaneers are rumored to be interested, but only if Johnson is still on the board. Assuming, for these purposes, Russell goes No. 1 to the Raiders, the Lions should strike a deal to move down at least two spots and get a better value for Adams, who is the top pass-rushing talent in the 2007 class.

3. Cleveland (4-12)

Projected pick: +Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma

Needs: CB, QB, RB, LOT, DL, S, OLB, WR

The Browns would love to land Russell with this pick. If he's gone, GM Phil Savage will have a tough decision between Peterson and QB Brady Quinn. Although Savage and his staff are still debating the subject, there are rumblings that they are leaning toward Peterson. Recently signed free-agent RB Jamal Lewis has loads of mileage on his legs and the team signed him only to a one-year deal. The veteran back could split carries with Peterson, which would give the rookie a year to get acclimated before turning him loose as the full-time starter in 2008.

4. Tampa Bay (4-12)

Projected pick: +Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech

Needs: WR, DT, S, DE, CB, OT, RB, TE

The Bucs are reportedly already in discussions with the Lions to trade up if Johnson is on the board at No. 2 overall. Coach Jon Gruden must be salivating at the possibility of working with a dynamic playmaker like Johnson. As a side note; if the Buccaneers can't land Johnson they'll look to bail out of this pick.

5. Arizona (5-11)
Projected pick: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin

Needs: OT, WLB, CB, DT, DE, TE, S, P

This is best-case scenario for a Cardinals team in desperate need of an upgrade at offensive tackle. Thomas is the premier offensive line talent in the 2007 class and he's ready to start immediately.

6. Washington (5-11)
Projected pick: Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville

Needs: DT, DE, G, S, CB, WR, OLB, QB, TE

After setting a franchise record with only 19 sacks in 2006, the Redskins must upgrade their pass rush. Because Adams is no longer on the board, Okoye becomes the next-best option. The 19-year-old has bulked up to 300-plus pounds and recently ran the 40 in the 4.8-second range at an on-campus workout.

7. Minnesota (6-10)
Projected pick: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame

Needs: WR, DE, CB, TE, C/G, QB, DT, RB

There are conflicting reports coming out of Minnesota regarding the Vikings' interest in Quinn. Although they still like the potential of QB Tarvaris Jackson (last year's second-round pick), it would be awfully difficult to pass on Quinn if he slips to No. 7. Also, don't be surprised if the Vikings use Quinn as bait to trade out of this pick, especially with the Dolphins sitting just a couple spots below them.

8. Atlanta (7-9)
(from Houston)

Projected pick: LaRon Landry, S, LSU

Needs: S, DE, OT, CB, G, DT, RB, PK, MLB, QB

OT Levi Brown is a possibility, especially with new head coach Bobby Petrino looking to get bigger and more physical along the offensive line. However, Landry is the more highly rated prospect at a position of equal need. A four-year starter in the SEC, Landry should be ready to start immediately in the NFL.

9. Miami (6-10)
Projected pick: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State

Needs: OT/G, QB, DL, CB, TE, WR, S, RB, LB, C

The Dolphins may consider moving up if Quinn begins to fall. Otherwise, expect them to take the best available offensive or defensive lineman at No. 9. Brown, who is this draft's second-rated offensive tackle behind Thomas, has the size and mobility to solidify the Dolphins' left tackle position for years to come.

10. Houston (6-10)
(from Atlanta)

Projected pick: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan

Needs: CB, WR, S, DT, OLB, DE, OT, RB

The Texans need to find a quality starter opposite Dunta Robinson and Hall is the top-rated cornerback in this year's class. Also to consider; if the Browns don't take Peterson at No. 3 overall, he could slip to the Texans at No. 10. Houston has more pressing needs after signing veteran RB Ahman Green, but it would be awfully tough to pass on Peterson -- one year after passing on Reggie Bush (Saints).

11. San Francisco (7-9)
Projected pick: +Alan Branch, DT, Michigan

Needs: DT/DE, OLB, S, OT, WR, RB, ILB, TE, FB, C/G

Instead of reaching for WR Ted Ginn Jr., the 49ers should use this pick to bolster their defensive front. Branch is slipping on many teams' boards due to fear regarding his inconsistent motor and potential for weight issues. But if the 323-pounder is still on the board at No. 11, it could prove to be a worthwhile risk for the ascending 49ers.

12. Buffalo (7-9)
Projected pick: Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi

Needs: RB, CB, OLB, TE, DT, FB, WR, ILB, FS

It's too high to take a chance on RB Marshawn Lynch and Hall is already off the board. That's why, in this scenario, the Bills should address a lesser need by taking Willis, who ranks as the premier linebacker prospect in the 2007 class. Willis has the workout numbers to match his production as a three-year starter in the SEC.

13. St. Louis (8-8)
Projected pick: +Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas

Needs: DT, DE, LB, CB, RB, G/C, WR, S

The Rams will focus on defense early in the draft. With Okoye and Branch off the board, there isn't an ideal fit at defensive tackle. Taking Anderson would make a great deal of sense, as he has the size and agility to emerge as an impact full-time starter in the future. As a rookie, Anderson could rotate with newly acquired James Hall at the end spot opposite Leonard Little.

14. Carolina (8-8)
Projected pick: +Greg Olsen, TE, Miami

Needs: TE, S, ILB, DE, OT, WR, OLB, DE

The Panthers could use this pick to address needs at safety (Reggie Nelson and Michael Griffin) or linebacker (Lawrence Timmons and Paul Posluszny), but Olsen is the best fit if Willis is off the board. Olsen is the only first-round talent in this year's tight end class and has the speed to take pressure off WRs Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson.

The Steelers need to address their outside linebacker situation early in this year's draft. While Posluszny and DE/OLB Jarvis Moss are possibilities, Timmons seems to make the most sense as new head coach Mike Tomlin transitions from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defensive alignment. Timmons can provide some pass-rushing production in the team's current 3-4 system, but he also projects as a better fit as a weakside linebacker in the 4-3 scheme.

16. Green Bay (8-8)
Projected pick: +Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal

Needs: RB, S, TE, WR, DT, CB, OLB, G

The Packers are in desperate need of offensive playmakers. QB Brett Favre could help maximize Lynch's explosiveness and versatility if they're working in the same backfield in 2007.

17. Jacksonville (8-8)
Projected pick: Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska

Needs: S, DE, QB, OLB, WR, CB, DT, MLB, TE, G, P

The Jaguars could use this pick on a better pure pass-rusher or on a safety like Nelson, but Carriker is the better value in this scenario. At 296 pounds, Carriker has the size, strength, quickness and technique to develop into a quality every-down starter at the next level.

18. Cincinnati (8-8)
Projected pick: +Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh

Needs: CB, DT, OLB, TE, S, OT, WR, DE, QB

The Bengals are likely to use this pick on the best defensive player available, particularly at cornerback, defensive tackle and outside linebacker. Revis' outstanding workout at Pittsburgh's pro day last month helped solidify his standing in the mid-to-late first-round range. Revis is instinctive in zone coverage, supports the run effectively and also has value as a potential punt return specialist.

19. Tennessee (8-8)
Projected pick: +Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State

Needs: WR, RB, CB, DE, DT, MLB, G/O, S, OLB, QB

The Titans would be elated if Ginn Jr. slipped to them at No. 19. Ginn Jr. has the speed to stretch the field vertically for QB Vince Young, who needs more weapons to work with on the perimeter. The Titans would benefit from Ginn Jr.'s world-class speed in the return game, as well.

20. N.Y. Giants (8-8)
Projected pick: Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State

Needs: OLB, CB, OT, DT, WR, RB, TE, G/C, P, PK, ILB

The Giants' biggest need is at the outside linebacker position, so Posluszny is a perfect match at No. 20 overall. The career tackles leader at "Linebacker U", Posluszny is instinctive, quick and tough enough to take over as a starter immediately.

21. Denver (9-7)
Projected pick: +Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida

Needs: DE, WR, S, OT, DT, MLB, RB, CB

The Broncos solidified their secondary by trading for Dre' Bly, who will start opposite Champ Bailey. Drafting a pass-rushing threat like Moss would be the next step toward fixing a pass defense that ranked 21st in 2006.

22. Dallas (9-7)Projected pick: Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU

Needs: CB, WR, OT, DE, PK, C, S, NT, ILB, OLB

The Cowboys would have to consider a cornerback like Aaron Ross or offensive tackle Joe Staley, but Bowe is a better prospect at another position of need. The 6-foot-2, 222-pound wideout displays the size, agility and playmaking skills to develop into a quality starter at the next level. As a rookie in 2007, Bowe could serve as an excellent third option behind aging veterans Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn.

23. Kansas City (9-7)
Projected pick: +Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee

Needs: WR, OT, DT, CB, DE, QB, G, FB, LB, C

Although he may never be a pure No. 1 receiver in the NFL, Meachem has the speed and playmaking skills to take attention away from RB Larry Johnson and TE Tony Gonzalez. If Kansas City doesn't go with a wide receiver, it could find a similar value at cornerback with Aaron Ross, offensive tackle with Joe Staley or defensive tackle with Justin Harrell.

The Patriots never act as if they're handcuffed by needs during draft weekend, but the Asante Samuel situation should increase their interest in this year's cornerback crop. Ross lacks ideal man-to-man cover skills but he has the size, instincts and playmaking ability to emerge as a difference-maker in the type of zone-heavy defensive scheme the Patriots run. Ross also can help in the return game, which adds to his value.

25. N.Y. Jets (10-6)
Projected pick: +Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas

Needs: CB, OLB, TE, WR, NT, ILB,C, QB, S

Considering their need of an upgrade at cornerback, Houston should be on the Jets' short list of prospects in this scenario. Different teams have differing opinions regarding Houston's value. Although he certainly has room to improve in regards to his technique and overall run-support skills, Houston is blessed with outstanding speed, athleticism and upper-body strength.

26. Philadelphia (10-6)
Projected pick: Michael Griffin, S, Texas

Needs: CB, S, DE, OLB, RB, WR, TE, MLB

Although the Eagles certainly can use depth at several different positions, it's hard to find a glaring weakness at any starting spot on their depth chart. One thing is certain; the Eagles will not be handcuffed by positions of need in this year's draft. With that in mind, Griffin is a good value because he brings experience and versatility to the table after notching 250 tackles during his last two seasons at Texas.

27. New Orleans (10-6)
Projected pick: Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee

Needs: :CB, LB, DT, WR, TE, DE, G/C, QB

The Saints would likely take a top cornerback should Ross or Houston fall to them at No. 27. However, the team could address another position of need by drafting Harrell, who is one of the late-rising prospects in this year's class for a couple reasons. First, teams are comfortable that he's completely recovered from a torn biceps injury that sidelined him most of his senior season. Second, there isn't enough supply at the defensive tackle position to meet the demand of NFL teams.

28. New England (12-4)
Projected pick: +Reggie Nelson, S, Florida

Griffin would be a better fit if he falls because he's more versatile than Nelson. The team could also use this pick on ILB John Beason. But in this scenario, Nelson is the best available option. At 6 feet and 198 pounds, Nelson has very good range and playmaking potential as a center fielder-type free safety. Also remember that head coach Bill Belichick loves players from Florida because he has tremendous respect for coach Urban Meyer.

29. Baltimore (13-3)
Projected pick: Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan

Needs: CB, OT, OLB, ILB, FB, C/G, QB, S, DE

The Ravens will look to target the best available player at cornerback, linebacker and offensive tackle. In this scenario, Staley is the pick. He's a fast-rising prospect with excellent feet and the frame to get bigger/stronger. With Jonathan Ogden threatening to retire, Staley becomes the future at left tackle for the Ravens.

30. San Diego (14-2)
Projected pick: +Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC

Needs: WR, S, ILB, CB, DL, RB, G, OT, OLB, LS

Despite his sub-par workout results at USC's recent pro day, Jarrett is one of the top-five receivers in this class and he's enough of a playmaker to exploit defenses when they overcompensate for RB LaDainian Tomlinson and TE Antonio Gates. The team also could take the best available safety or linebacker with this pick.

31. Chicago (13-3)
Projected pick: +Jon Beason, OLB, Miami

Needs: DT, OLB, WR, TE, RB, OT, QB, S, G

The Bears need to address the outside linebacker position early, even if they fail to trade disgruntled starter Lance Briggs prior to draft weekend. Beason is a fringe first-rounder with the size, quickness and tackling skills to emerge as a quality starter in the NFL. Durability concerns and lack of ideal range in coverage keep him from competing with Willis, Timmons and Posluszny higher on the board.

32. Indianapolis (12-4)
Projected pick: Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue

Needs: OLB, DT, ILB, RB, G, CB, WR, OT, QB

The Colts have much bigger needs at linebacker and defensive tackle, but Spencer is their kind of player. Undersized with very good speed and up-the-field playmaking skills, Spencer could be a steal late in the first round if he builds on the progress he made as a senior at Purdue (nation-best 26.5 tackles for loss).

I don't mind the Bowe pick but other than that it leaves a lot to be desired.

Me neither. If we draft like that, fire the staff. Do not see a PK, especially in the 3rd, with a valuable pick. Do not see Wolfe either from NIU. He is very fast but very small. Only good for PR, KR, specialty plays for the NFL. What is he, like 5-6, 160. No thanks. Especially if we draft Bowe, I think we would be ok at WR. We have PR in TNew, Crayton, a KR in Austin & Thompson. We don't need another Skylar Green pick.

No way we draft a kicker on day one. I'm okay with Bowe. A WR and CB in rounds 1 and 2 seems the way to go to me if the players fit the pick. I hope we look for a NT before the 6th round. We could use someone that is able to step in and provide some substantial game day reserve help there. Aside from rounds 1 and 2, this mock sucks.

I'll be fine with Bowe or Meachum if it falls like that. I'd also look at Nelson and Spencer, too.

Don't like Wilson in the 2nd. Tank Tyler would be who I would take if it fell like that. I'd also consider Moses and Weddle there.

I hate taking Crosby in the 3rd with Paul Soliai, Quincy Black, Josh Beekman, John Beck, Michael Bush, Brian Robison, and Allen Barbre, and JL Higgins there. I'd like all those guys over Crosby in the 3rd.

I love Satele in the 4th round, but I don't know if I could pass on Zak D and Bazuin if they are there in the 4th.

I like Chase Johnson in the 5th. Guy is huge. I'd also look at Antwaan Barnes there. And maybe Manny if the scouts like him.

Love the flyer on Walter Thomas in the 6th. Would rather not waste the other 6th on Wolfe. Give me McClain or Anderson at FB with that pick.

7th.... who cares? I don't think we are going to find anyone in the 7th who makes our team. With that board, I'd definitely snag up Jordan Palmer to see if he can bring anything to the table as a 3rd QB. I'd also look at Brandon Myles and waste a pick on the Shark.

Wolfe is one of the most electrifying runners in the collegiate game and proof that big things do come in small packages. Built more in the lines of the team manager rather than a featured back, he has rewritten numerous school, Mid-American Conference and NCAA rushing and all-purpose yardage records in his three years on the Northern Illinois gridiron.

Wolfe missed 2006 spring drills while recovering from shoulder surgery, but was ready to go by the season opener. He was again named MAC Offensive Player of the Year and earned All-America honors while leading the nation with an average of 158.33 yards rushing and 178.92 all-purpose yards per game. He collected 1,900 yards with 18 touchdowns on 289 chances (6.6 avg.). He ranked third on the team with 26 receptions for 247 yards (9.5 avg.) and one score. Wolfe piled up 2,147 all-purpose yards and scored 116 points.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Has a strong upper-body frame with muscular arms and powerful leg drive … Few backs have the explosive burst, balance, agility and foot speed that Wolfe displays … Has that sudden change-of-direction agility that makes the initial tackler miss and outstanding flexibility to redirect to the cutback lanes … Gets to top speed in a hurry and needs little room to accelerate … Alert to coverages and shows good field vision to pick and slide through the holes … Has exceptional quickness, but also shows patience letting blocks develop … Puts in extra hours studying tapes and is a minimal rep type who can take plays from the board to the field … His initial explosion coming out of his stance allows him to race past the slower defenders into the second level, change direction and burst through the cutback lane … Has exceptional quickness in the hole and makes good decisions waiting for blocks to develop … Very crisp changing direction and has the burst to make jump cuts … Has excellent open-field acceleration and stays low in his pads, doing a fine job of planting and driving out of his cuts … Possesses that quick thrust through the hole that simply surprises the lethargic defender … When he hits the seam, his burst is sudden and he consistently separates from the pile … Has a good feel through the crease, but is especially effective bouncing outside or separating when taking the ball along the perimeter … Scans the field well and has natural run instincts, using his vision in the hole and in space to avoid … The thing you see on film is his consistency when stepping out of tackles to get up field … Knows he has that second gear needed to pull away from the crowd and has outstanding balance and quickness bouncing out to the corner … Has the feet to step out of tackles and constantly keeps his legs moving … Has the vision to see threats and the shake to make the initial tackler miss … Also shows natural run instincts, good vision and change-of-direction agility, and his ability to shift gears without throttling down makes him dangerous around the corner … Demonstrates good concentration to look the ball in and has the loose hips to make adjustments in the short-area passing game.

Negatives: Despite a lack of size and bulk, Wolfe has a well-developed frame, but not much room for additional growth … Lacks thickness in his thighs and calves to power through tackles … Has struggled academically, but is a smart kid who just needs to apply himself where books are concerned … Might have durability and size issues that will scare away more than a few teams looking for a feature back … Quick to locate the seams and keeps his pads down to drive hard, but despite his weight-room strength, he lacks the power and bulk to move the pile … Shows good urgency running between tackles, but unless he generates a burst through the seam, he can be gobbled up … Keeps his feet moving to break tackles and is able to make jump cuts at the hole, but unless he gets room to be creative he gets pushed back through the rush lane … Shows good ball security, but most of his fumbles are the result of defenders knocking the ball out from behind … Carries the ball high and tight through the holes, but when he gets whacked from behind, he will see the ball squirt out, even though this has not been a costly issue (five fumbles, with four recovered by the opposition in his last two years) … Doesn't take many head-on shots and can hit it up the seam, but he is more elusive than a runner who can drive through contact … Has the upper-body power to break arm tackles, but lacks the playing strength and bulk to push the pile … Used mostly on screens and dump-offs, as his size makes it difficult for passers to locate him in a crowd … Has a good feel for the ball in flight, maintaining balance in his short-area route progression, but takes soft angle cuts going for the ball past the second level.

Compares To: Dave Meggett, ex-New York Giants/New England Patriots -- Like Meggett, Wolfe proved to all doubters that it is not the size of the player, but the heart … Wolfe lacks the return skills that Meggett displayed, but both were much stronger than their size indicated and have those explosive moves that simply frustrate second-level defenders … Wolfe won't be a featured back at the pro level, but can be a dangerous threat on third down, whether as a change-of-pace runner or lining up in the slot as a receiver.

INJURY REPORT

2004: Sat out the Toledo game (Nov. 9) after suffering a non-football related right eye injury on campus.

2005: Limited in April camp after undergoing right shoulder surgery to remove loose debris … Sat out the Kent State, Central Michigan and Ball State games after suffering a left knee sprain vs. Eastern Michigan (Oct. 15) … Left the Silicon Valley Football Classic vs. Troy (Dec. 30) with a hip contusion in the first quarter.

2006: Missed spring drills to continue recovering from right shoulder sublixation surgery performed in January (Jan. 11) … Hampered vs. Temple and Iowa after suffering a hamstring pull vs. Western Michigan (Oct. 14).

7th.... who cares? I don't think we are going to find anyone in the 7th who makes our team. With that board, I'd definitely snag up Jordan Palmer to see if he can bring anything to the table as a 3rd QB. I'd also look at Brandon Myles and waste a pick on the Shark.

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You might be right but I hope to continue our 7th round impressive resume we have developed in the past few years. Crayton, Ratliff and possibly McQuistan could be really nice pieces for the future. Add in another impressive stash of undrafted guys and it shows that there are still plenty of solid players left even in the 7th round.

I would be ok with that draft. I would prefer Meachem over Bowe in Round 1 if Ginn is off the board. I would replace round 3 Crosby with Dan Bazuin DE/OLB. I am really high on this kid, I think he will be a special player in the next level. I wouldn't consider a kicker a day-one priority. We have Gramatica and he has been pretty solid since joining the team.